Reported by the “Charlotte Observer” and citing “Hollywood Life,” rumors are swirling that “DWTS” producers are planning to move forward with an abbreviated, four-episode season that will include only celebrity dance contestants from the sports world. And one of those sports celebrities that they just might have their eye on is none other than NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Now, of course, before we get too excited, it’s important to remember that while Dale Jr. will have some extra time on his hands now that he has retired from full-time NASCAR racing, he has said in the past that he wouldn’t be interested in participating in the dance show.

“The show really wants to make a splash and they really want to get some major sports stars on next season and the top two on their list are Colin Kaepernick and Dale Earnhardt,” an unnamed source told “Hollywood Life.” “Dale is retiring from NASCAR, and they have wanted him for years and have asked forever for him to dance on the show. And having Colin is just obvious with him being in the news for all the guy’s activism. The stories they could both share would be amazing, and having the show only go four weeks, producers feel that they can get these big names because they don’t have to commit to a long process and time frame. The show is very confidant that they can pull it off, and are working hard to make it happen.”

As the rumors swirled, Dale Jr. made no comment about it during his Nov. 28 podcast. But no matter what happens, Dale Jr. is always a winner in our book. In fact, he is now nominated for Story of the Year in the Rare Country Awards, and it’s up to you to decide the winner. Vote now through Dec. 13 at RareCountryAwards.com. Winners will be revealed during a livestreamed concert event on Dec. 14 in Nashville.